Implant placement above a bifurcated mandibular canal: a case report

Accurate radiographic assessment of available bone dimension superior to the mandibular canal is essential to the favorable placement of dental implants. Panoramic and periapical radiography are the standard of care. They typically offer a clinically adequate interpretation of the canal topography. However, in about 1% of patients, the mandibular canal may bifurcate. This may or may not be seen on panoramic or periapical films. A case report is presented that uses complex motion tomography as an aid to proper implant placement above a bifurcated mandibular canal.